Top 5 Upcycling Projects to do on a Wintery Day

It is safe to say that many of us are feeling the cold bite of winter this year! Why not stay in, grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and warm up as you work on these sustainable and eco-friendly DIY projects? 

1. Coiled Magazine Coasters

This idea is great if you have some old magazines lying around your house, and the end result makes for a colourful table accessory! You can make them small into coasters, or of different sizes to hang on your wall as eco-friendly art – the opportunities are endless!

Required materials:

• Old magazines
• Scissors
• Mod Podge or Rubber Cement with brush
• Paper clip

Find step-by-step instructions here: http://bit.ly/1Ryr14V

2. Delicate Dreamcatcher

With very little crochet-skills needed, this is a fun idea to try your hand at! Hang it above your bed, or as a beautiful wall accessory. Tip: Make this project even more eco-friendly by replacing yarn with strips of cloth, for example from old t-shirts, and tying knots for texture.

Required materials:

• Embroidery hoop. *Eco-tip: use the ring from an old lampshade!
• Metal craft hoop. *Eco-tip: try a metal bangle instead.
• Embroidery floss or craft string
• Leather wrap
• Glue
• Yarn or strips of cloth
• Beads, feathers, lace — any accessories you like

Find step-by-step instructions here:  http://bit.ly/2H2o0NL

3. Wine Cork Bulletin Board

If you’re anything like me and tend to hoard the corks from old wine bottles, why not repurpose them into an easy and practical bulletin board? You can glue the corks as they are for a rustic look, or paint their ends to give the board an artsy edge.

Required materials:

• Old wine corks
• Shadow box
• Super glue
• Craft paint (optional)

Find step-by-step instructions here: http://bit.ly/2nW78zz

4. Tin Can Herb Garden

With this idea, not only will you be re-using old tin cans, but you’ll also have your own herbs growing right at home! You can decorate the outside of the cans to your liking using paint, newspaper, stamps… whatever you wish! Tip: you can also skip the herbs and simply decorate the can to use as a pen-holder, makeup brush stand, etc.

Required materials:

• Tin cans
• Hammer and nail for drilling holes
• Potting mix
• Herbs
• Saucers
• Water-based acrylic paint, ribbon, newspaper, stamps, or other accessories!

Find step-by-step instructions here: http://bit.ly/2BhRI0N

5. DIY Coffee Candle

If you love the smell of coffee (like I do!), then make use of your old coffee grounds with this easy DIY coffee candle. As an eco-friendly touch, repurpose your old candles by scraping out wax remnants!

Required materials:

• 1 to 2 tbsps of used coffee grounds
• Small paper coffee cup
• Candle wick
• Scissors
• 1 cup candle wax remnants

Find step-by-step instructions here: http://bit.ly/2hx1R2c

If you want another eco-friendly project with coffee grounds, then see this popular Our Positive Planet article on DIY Coffee Scrub: http://www.ourpositiveplanet.com/diy-coffee-scrub/

Get crafty and enjoy! Do you have any other eco-friendly DIYs? Leave them in the comments!

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Rachael Gradeen

Rachael is a recent Biology grad from the University of British Columbia, and is now based out of Calgary. Her passions include exploring the great outdoors, traveling, meeting new people, and living sustainably! Since working for an oil&gas company in Calgary, she has developed a keen interest in transitioning our energy sector from fossil fuels to greener technologies, all the while maintaining a solid economy and minimizing job losses. On her time off, you will find her in the mountains - summer or winter! She has plans to continue her studies in Sustainability and Green Energy, for now, she is eagerly planning her upcoming trip to South America!

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